Postdoctoral Position in Studies of Gram-positive Type 4 Secretion Systems

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and it was here that the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and significant green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research about – and in the midst of – a transforming society. It is also about providing education for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably. This is simply where the future is created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more here (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/om-universitetet-som-arbetsplats/).

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University and attracts many students with a comprehensive range of programs in medicine, dentistry, health, and care. We offer a well-developed research infrastructure and an inspiring, dynamic environment with leading research. Our close collaboration with the four regions in the Northern Healthcare Region is seen as a significant mutual asset for developing research and education and ensuring the availability of our future healthcare personnel.

The Department of Medical Chemistry and Biophysics conducts research and teaching within the Faculty of Medicine.

In addition to institutional grants for research and education, the department's research groups have a large number of national and international research projects with external funding, and we have access to excellent research infrastructures such as Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/umea-centre-for-electron-microscopy-ucem/), Biomolecular Characterization Umeå (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/biomolecular-characterization-umea-/), and Biochemical Imaging Centre Umeå (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/biochemical-imaging-centre-umea-bicu/). We are an international workplace with employees from many different countries.

There is now an opportunity to apply for a postdoctoral position in studies of Gram-positive type 4 secretion systems. The position is full-time with a start date in late summer or early autumn 2025, or by agreement. The application deadline is April 30, 2025.

Project Description

Our research group studies the structural and molecular mechanisms behind horizontal gene transfer via type 4 secretion systems. Given the rapidly increasing antibiotic resistance in bacteria today, it is crucial to understand the fundamental functions and structures of the very large protein complexes responsible for the transfer itself.

The overarching goal of our work is to achieve a structural and functional understanding of type 4 secretion systems from Gram-positive bacteria. The project focuses on structural studies of the type 4 secretion system. Depending partly on the candidate's previous expertise, the project will involve both in vitro methods, such as cloning (both standard and knock-in/knock-out via homologous recombination), expression and purification of (membrane) proteins, single particle electron microscopy (both negative stain and cryo), crystallography, as well as in vivo methods such as conjugation assays, biofilm formation, and fluorescence microscopy. For examples of our work in this system, see e.g. article 1 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022283624005540?via=ihub), article 2 (https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00488-24), article 3 (https://elifesciences.org/articles/84427), and article 4 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969212622000946?via=ihub).

Eligibility and Qualifications

The candidate should have, or be about to be awarded, a PhD or equivalent in biochemistry, cell or molecular biology, genetics, or a related discipline. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with practical experience in cloning, expression, and purification of protein complexes. The candidate is expected to have strong merits in the relevant research area, documented by first-authorship in peer-reviewed original publications. Experience in biochemical and/or biophysical characterization of proteins and in structural biology is advantageous. Previous experience in electron microscopy or fluorescence microscopy is also advantageous. An ability to take initiative and to function both independently as well as in an international group is required, along with good oral and written communication skills in English.

More About Employment

Since a postdoctoral position constitutes a merit-based position for junior researchers, we primarily target those who have a PhD that is no older than three years from the application deadline. If there are special reasons, those who have obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, trust assignments within trade unions, or other similar circumstances, as well as relevant service/assignments in the subject area.

The position is a fixed-term full-time employment for 2 years according to the terms of the fixed-term employment agreement for postdoctoral researchers from February 1, 2022.

Application

The application should be written in English and must include:

• A brief description of why you are applying for this position, how you can contribute to the project, and how you would like to develop the project (max 2 A4 pages).
• CV
• Publication list
• Degree certificate from doctoral education (or proof of planned defense in the near future) and other relevant degrees
• Contact information for two to three referees

Applications should be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received by April 30, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Ronnie Berntsson, ronnie.berntsson@umu.se (mailto:ronnie.berntsson@umu.se)

Welcome with your application!

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and equitable environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

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